diy solar

diy solar

Here's my plan to install a 230V Mini-Split

https://ashp.neep.org/#!/ sliders: 0-13000BTU, 0-13000 BTU, Ducting configuration non-ducted ceiling mount. Should produce 131 results. List View, sorted by SEER: Gree makes two 115 volt models. Specs look like your Blueridge. Those Gree have relatively poor COP. COP may be far more important than SEER. There might additional 115v models with better COP. If you find better COP models, you still have to find out if you can buy them.
Thanks for the link... I have not found a Cassette unit that runs at 120V.
 
Thanks for the link... I have not found a Cassette unit that runs at 120V.
'B' are wall mount 'A' are ceiling placement. Use that link to search in ceiling placement. Learned wall mounts are much more efficient than ceiling placement.
Outdoor Unit #: VIR09HP115V1BO wall
Indoor Unit #: VIR09HP115V1BH wall
Outdoor Unit #: VIR12HP115V1BO wall
Indoor Unit #: VIR12HP115V1BH wall
Outdoor Unit #: 3VIR09HP115V1AO ceiling
Indoor Unit #: 3VIR09HP115V1AH ceiling
Outdoor Unit #: 3VIR12HP115V1AO ceiling
Indoor Unit #: 3VIR12HP115V1AH ceiling

https://www.amazon.com/GREE-Vireo-M...s=VIR09HP115V1BK25&qid=1598728660&sr=8-1&th=1 looks like a good choice for 115v wall mount. Sold by linked on right ComfortUp located in Jacksonville FL. which is shown on Google Maps as being located at the same address as a big HVAC parts distributor. They don't seem to have a package deal with 115v ceiling placement even though Gree has two. customer service 855-337-0001
 
'B' are wall mount 'A' are ceiling placement. Use that link to search in ceiling placement. Learned wall mounts are much more efficient than ceiling placement.
Outdoor Unit #: VIR09HP115V1BO wall
Indoor Unit #: VIR09HP115V1BH wall
Outdoor Unit #: VIR12HP115V1BO wall
Indoor Unit #: VIR12HP115V1BH wall
Outdoor Unit #: 3VIR09HP115V1AO ceiling
Indoor Unit #: 3VIR09HP115V1AH ceiling
Outdoor Unit #: 3VIR12HP115V1AO ceiling
Indoor Unit #: 3VIR12HP115V1AH ceiling

https://www.amazon.com/GREE-Vireo-M...s=VIR09HP115V1BK25&qid=1598728660&sr=8-1&th=1 looks like a good choice for 115v wall mount. Sold by linked on right ComfortUp located in Jacksonville FL. which is shown on Google Maps as being located at the same address as a big HVAC parts distributor. They don't seem to have a package deal with 115v ceiling placement even though Gree has two. customer service 855-337-0001
Hey, thanks... This is definitely worth pursuing!
 
Cassette units in the 9k are usually designed to fit in a 24x 24 ceiling grid. The hole where the roof top unit is 14x14. The cassette is usually 10 to 12 inches tall. The lines connecting to the corner about half way between the top and the ceiling. Depends on how thick your roof is that could be problematic. You would have to come up with a water tight enclosure on the roof.
 
Is this a game changer for your plan?
In a way, yes... I'd go with 115V to simplify the Min-Split installation (plus the specs on that Pioneer unit look real good).
However,
I'm still not sure if I'll be able to install a Mini-Split at all, because:
1) I'd like to mount it at the rear of the Coach (Winnebago Navion 24D)
2) But I'll be installing a Motorcycle/Scooter carrier at the rear as well, so that will be a problem.

I'm waiting on delivery of the Carrier (MotoTote), which has now been delayed to Nov 17th (and sadly, that date may get pushed out).
Once I get the Carrier installed, and I'll be able to better assess the Min-Split install: "go" or "no go".

BTW, while searching alternatives to a Mini-Split, just this week I came across this 12VDC unit:
It's super-efficient (22-55A at 12VDC), and super-quiet (33 dB)... But it requires a larger-than-standard rooftop opening: 20-1/8" x 14-1/2".

Also,
I have not yet tackled the Solar & Battery upgrades (I did get 2 * 125Ah Lithionics from the factory).
I'll jump on that "after" the Air Conditioner project gets sorted... And once I know what my real power needs are.
 
Last edited:
One problem with getting a 230V inverter is that they are mostly designed to operate in Europe, with 50Hz frequency. You would also need a 50Hz air-conditioner to go with it. And, you still have a regular 120V 60Hz inverter operating right next to it.

I think a better option would be to get a split-phase 120/240V inverter that natively runs at 60Hz. That way you only have one box supplying both your 120 and 240V AC. I have this one.
Another advantage of this inverter is that it already has a built-in charger function. You simply connect generator power to the ACin terminials, and the charger converts the generator's AC into battery charging DC.

So, this one box would replace three of your installation items.

BTW, Schneider also makes a 48V version of the same unit.
That inverter looks awesome. What 220v items do you power with this. I too am looking at powering 2 mini split ceiling cassettes with solar/battery. (The 48v inverter is actually a few bucks cheaper) thks for sharing.
 
That inverter looks awesome. What 220v items do you power with this. I too am looking at powering 2 mini split ceiling cassettes with solar/battery. (The 48v inverter is actually a few bucks cheaper) thks for sharing.
Actually, I have two inverters, an XW+6848 for the home, and the Conext SW4024 for the workshop. I run my 240V well-pump off my 48V system. I don't actually have any 240V loads yet in the workshop, because it's not totally complete yet. I was thinking about a 240V arc welder.
 
Quick follow-up:
I had to ditch the Min-Split idea because of competing space with a Motorcycle carrier at the rear of the Coach.
So opted for plan B: The Mabru 12,000 BTU-12VDC unit is on order and should arrive by mid-December... Just in time for the Holidays!

As for Solar,
My plan still calls for 1700W (with 4 LG panels replacing the factory 2*100W Zamp panels), an additional 4*125Ah LiFePO4 batteries (complementing the factory 2*125Ah, for a total of 750Ah at 12V), and a 3KW Inverter/Charger (replacing the factory 2KW Xantrex)... Given the power consumption of the Mabru (22-55A @ 12V), the 1700W +750Ah budget should do the job while off-grid (I will report back when this gets completed... early 2022).
1637164933499.png
 
On your drawing it looks like you plan to run a 3000 watt at 12 volts inverter with #2 awg? That is a lot of amps. If you are not planning to use the whole 3000 why not leave the xantrax? Or maybe I am wrong and it is 24 volt. It is still marginal at that.
 
On your drawing it looks like you plan to run a 3000 watt at 12 volts inverter with #2 awg? That is a lot of amps. If you are not planning to use the whole 3000 why not leave the xantrax? Or maybe I am wrong and it is 24 volt. It is still marginal at that.
Good catch!
Now that I'm going with the Mabru 12V A/C, my intention is to run the Inverter/Charger at 12V... The wire size is stale, as I previously planned on running at 24VDC... So I need to review the wiring and fuses for proper sizing.

I was showing the Victron Inverter/Charger for two reasons:
1) Higher charging capacity for the 750Ah of batteries
2) For integration with other Victron gear all feeding into the Cerbo GX.

BTW, 6 batteries are a lot of wiring, so I'm also considering:
1) Selling my existing (2 * 125Ah), which are just 2 months old... PM'me if interested.
2) Getting (2 * 315Ah), for a total of 630Ah at 12V.

--EDIT--
Here's the plan as I'm actually in the process of installing:
1639538223485.png
 
Last edited:
INSTALL UPDATE:
1) Sold the pair of factory-installed Xantrex 125Ah batteries
2) Temporarily installed one of the Lithionics 315Ah (same location as the factory batteries), and the other 315Ah is still in its box.
3) All of the Victron gear is on hand (including the 3KW Multiplus)
4) LG Solar panels arrived today (still on the pallet)
5) Mabru A/C is due to arrive next week.

The plan is to install the Mabru A/C before the holidays and then tackle the Solar/Victron project in the new year.
(I'll start a fresh thread once the Mabru A/C is installed)
1639536329980.png1639536379364.png1639536421889.png
 
Last edited:
You are moving along quite nicely! Do you have an updated components list? It is hard to see what all those components are on the pool table. Also, which solar panels did you go with (Watts and physical size)?
 
You are moving along quite nicely! Do you have an updated components list? It is hard to see what all those components are on the pool table. Also, which solar panels did you go with (Watts and physical size)?
The components shown in the above wiring diagram and photos are these (Solar panels are listed):

DescriptionQty
Lithionics GTX12V315A-E2107-CS2002
Victron 12/3000/120 MultiPlus Inverter/Charger1
Victron MPPT 158|85, Tr VE.Can2
Victron Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-Volt 30A DC-DC Charger1
Victron Lynx Distributor2
Victron Lynx Power In1
Victron Lynx Shunt VE.Can 1000A1
Victron Cerbo GX1
Victron GX Touch 501
Victron MK3-USB Interface (not shown)1
LG Solar Panel LG425QAK-A64
Double-Pole 250V,63A Miniature Circuit Breaker2
Marinco Power Products 650A, 5-Stud Buss Bar (Ground)1
 
Last edited:
NOTE: I have not ordered DC wires yet.
I need to do a final scrub on the wiring diagram for proper sizing (feedback is appreciated).
 
Just an FYI. I have installed a Pioneer 12k BTU 22SEER 120VAC Split unit in our 2007 Winnebago View 23J. Hung the outdoor unit on a strut frame at the upper left rear of the RV above the spare tire. The indoor wall unit is just inside on the rear wall above the bed. The 12K is just big enough to keep it cool enough to sleep at night when it is crazy hot (90F+), 9k would not have worked. Works just fine off-grid on the 3000W Xantrex inverter and 1680Ah (20kWh) LiFePO4 bank. After getting up to speed it generally draws 200W-400W when idling.
 
Back
Top